Ahlstrom-Munksjö to acquire the Caieiras specialty paper mill in Brazil

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has entered into an agreement to acquire MD Papéis’ Caieiras specialty paper mill in Brazil of the Formitex Group, an industrial conglomerate active in the paper, chemicals and panel board industries.

The annual net sales of the business to be acquired are approximately EUR 80 million and comparable EBITDA approximately EUR 13 million in 2017. The debt free purchase price is approximately EUR 100 million. Annual synergy benefits of up to EUR 6 million are estimated, mainly arising from optimization of overlapping business. Banco Citibank S.A. has agreed and committed to provide financing for the acquisition.

The transaction is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2018 and is subject to customary completion terms, including merger clearance from the relevant competition authorities.

The Caieiras product offering is an excellent match for Ahlstrom-Munksjö with 80% of sales being in line with Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s current product and solution portfolio. The acquisition significantly strengthens Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s offering and production platform in the region, and provides attractive growth opportunities, synergies and further production optimization opportunities for the longer term. The Caieiras mill is located in the vicinity of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s existing production plants in Jacarei, part of the Industrial Solutions business area, and in Louveira, part of the Filtration and Performance business area. The mill gives access to local production of decor paper, thus strengthening Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s service offering and partnership with existing customers, which so far has relied on imports. Ahlstrom-Munksjö becomes a global leading producer in decor paper, and the mill is a competitive platform for further growth in South America. Ahlstrom-Munksjö is already a global leading supplier in tape, serving both local and global customers, and this position is further strengthened through the transaction. And in addition by combining the businesses of Caieiras and Jacarei Ahlstrom-Munksjö improves production and delivery capability as well as competitiveness.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s presence in Brazil grows further through the acquisition, operating three plants, all near Sao Paolo, and employing over 700 persons and revenues of approximately of EUR 200 million.

“The Caieiras business is an excellent addition to our global platform, and drives our ambition to maintain a leading position in selected niches of the global fiber-based solutions market that offers growth. We have plentiful of opportunities to grow in our existing business segments, proceed with new product development and consider growth in adjacent segments”, says Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj

“Further expanding our platform in Brazil will allow us to serve our specialty paper customers with an even stronger offering and efficiency”, says Daniele Borlatto, EVP of Industrial Solutions Business Area.

“This acquisition strengthens our position as a global leader in Decor papers” says Tomas Wulkan, EVP of the Decor Business Area.

“Formitex Group regards the divestment from the specialty paper business as an opportunity for the group to consolidate its strategic interest in strengthening its chemicals core businesses. Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a great fit as a new parent to the Caieiras Mill, a strategic owner that can expand the mill’s technology base - further accelerating its growth potential and strengthening sales internationally”, Formitex says in a statement.

ANDRITZ has received an order from Holmen Paper, a part of the Holmen Group, Sweden, to refurbish and install dewatering equipment for a new TMP (thermo-mechanical pulp) washing stage at PM 12 in Hallstavik. Basic engineering, erection as well as commissioning and start-up, which is scheduled for the final quarter of 2018, are also part of the delivery scope.

ANDRITZ will refurbish two used ANDRITZ twin wire presses and relocate an existing ANDRITZ pulp screw press. After re-installation as the TMP washing stage, the dewatering equipment will improve the pulp quality, thus ensuring higher product quality on the paper machine. PM12 manufactures book paper and newsprint grades.

SCOPE OF SUPPLY• Refurbishment of two used ANDRITZ twin wire presses.• Relocation and overhaul of an existing ANDRITZ pulp screw press used in the former deinking plant at Hallsta paper mill.• Installation of a new conveyor for pulp dilution and shredding after washing.• Rebuild and relocation of two existing screw conveyors.

ANDRITZ’s broad know-how on refurbishment of dewatering equipment as well as its longstanding and excellent relationship with Holmen Paper were decisive for the order award. The Hallsta Paper Mill has relied on ANDRITZ dewatering technology for many years. After completion of this project, the mill will be operating 14 ANDRITZ twin wire presses.

For Infinity FineLine, an especially fine loop structure was developed and the seam zone was further improved. This is why these press fabrics are used above all in the tissue and specialty paper segment.

High dewatering efficiency and long service lives have made press fabrics from the Voith Infinity series best-sellers for packaging papers, board and graphic paper grades. The technology group has now extended its product range. Infinity FineLine offers an ideal solution for sensitive applications like tissue or specialty papers. The modular structure of the press fabrics allows easy adaption to any requirement.

With its new FineLine module, Voith is further expanding its successful range of Infinity fabrics. For the new products, a particularly fine loop structure was developed and the seam zone was further improved. FineLine is mainly used in the tissue and specialty paper segment. The new press felt is available as endless and seam product. Infinity FineLine debuts with remarkably minimized seam loops that reduce marking potential even in the finest papers. As with all Infinity products, the seam loops in FineLine also have an identical loop length, roundness and spacing. This makes the closure particularly simple and enables machine downtimes to be reduced by up to 25 percent.

A combination of Infinity FineLine and twisted yarns has proven particularly advantageous in sensitive applications. The twisted yarns ensure better batt fiber anchorage. As a result, the paper producer benefits from consistent performance over the entire service life. At the same time, Infinity FineLine is specifically energy efficient through its low grammage.

Cohesive range for all requirementsAlongside FineLine, the Infinity series also includes the ToughLine range of fabrics which Voith designed specifically for extreme environments. These conditions occur, for example, when manufacturing board and packaging papers, where the felts are continuously exposed to heat or abrasive materials. The use of Infinity press fabrics for the production of graphic papers is also constantly increasing. “Our Infinity series offers the best press felts portfolio for all paper machine requirements”, says Anne Klaschka, Global Product Manager Press Fabrics at Voith. The modular structure of the fabrics means that they can be tailored optimally to customer requirements.

The Infinity series is part of the PressMax portfolio of the Voith AdvancedProducts range. It allows paper makers a combination of perfectly coordinated components to improve the performance of their paper machines.

On Saturday 21 April, Södra’s sawmill at Långasjö was reopened at a ceremony attended by more than 2,000 visitors. In 2017, just over SEK 100 million was invested in the facility to increase capacity and achieve more efficient production. The initiative has also created an additional 25 jobs.

More than 2,000 visitors from all over Götaland attended the reopening ceremony of the Långasjö sawmill. The day’s theme was ‘We are creating a sustainable future here together.’ This was reflected during the opening ceremony when the entire chain – from forest owners, forest inspectors, employees and customers to the next generation – tied ribbons, instead of cutting a ribbon.

“I am proud of what we have done at Långasjö. With this investment of SEK 100 million, we have created an efficient and modern sawmill where we can produce even higher volumes at a lower cost and meet the demand for our sustainable products. The investment makes the facility well-equipped for the future and strengthens our market position,” said Jörgen Lindquist, President of the Södra Wood business area.

The sawmill produces panelling and cross beams, but also painted products, and demand in this product category has been growing every year since 2013. The products are mainly delivered to the Netherlands and Sweden, two markets where pressure on construction timber is high.

“Market demand is high, and the investment has already generated positive results. The sawmill has been in full production with the new equipment since November 2017 and is performing according to plan,” said Jörgen Lindquist.

Basic engineering of Finnpulp’s bioproduct mill has started. Company’s mill will be built on the site in Sorsasalo in Kuopio, for which the city plan was enforced earlier in January. Basic engineering for this world’s largest bioproduct mill that uses only softwood will last about one year. Engineering work now starting will form basis for the final investment decision by the company. This is due to the first half of next year. The decision also will mean construction works of the mill to start.

One of the most respected forest industry companies in China as a shareholder

Owners of Finnpulp will finance approximately 15 million euros basic planning period. Before starting the engineering work, the company has increased its owner base. Hengan International, which is China’s most significant tissue and hygiene product manufacturer, became a shareholder of the company. The EUR 11.7 million investment made by Hengan entitles to 36.5% of the share capital. In the future Hengan has a possibility to increase its share of the company up to 49%.

Hengan International is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, and its share of China’s growing personal hygiene product markets is 20% (2016). Founder family is still responsible for the management of the company, which has been chosen in international forums among to the most respected Chinese companies in business management, innovation and taking care of the environment and workforce responsibility.

At the same time with Hengan becoming a new shareholder, the previous owners MTK and Grizzly Hill Capitals have raised their investment in Finnpulp. After the issue the both parties will have 11,5 % of the company´s ownership.

Expectations are to get the verified environmental permit next summer

The Regional State Administrative Agency granted the environmental permit in March 2017 for Finnpulp’s Kuopio bioproduction plant. The strict terms of the permit maybe the tightest ever been set to production plants in Finland or elsewhere. Terms are also stricter than the EU’s best practice requirements for the industry. Finnpulp takes this this as a positive challenge and will employ new technology to meet the requirements.

Valmet recently made two successful Advantage DCT 200 tissue line startups at Lee & Man’s tissue mill at Chongqing, China. The first machine in the startup queue was TM13, which started producing high quality paper right from the start on January 18. The second startup was on March 3, when just as good tissue paper hit the reel on TM15.

"Valmet has sold a total of nine tissue machines to Lee & Man since 2014. All startups have been characterized by good collaboration, efficient installations and steady startup curves. Efficient project execution and tissue lines that deliver good results right from the first roll have become the trademarks of Valmet’s and Lee & Man’s winning co-operation," says Valmet’s project manager Tomas Eklund. A big part of a successful delivery is trustworthy technology. Valmet’s well proven Advantage technology has been designed with the success of tissue makers in mind.

Efficient teamwork forms another great part of the success that has been achieved by Valmet and Lee & Man in Chongqing. "We work as one to reach our mutual aims. At this point, we know each other so well that the machines, more or less, start with a push of a button," says Eklund.

Valmet will start two more Advantage DCT 200 tissue production lines for Lee & Man during 2018. All at the same mill in Chongqing and with the same scope of delivery - complete tissue production lines featuring stock preparation systems and Advantage DCT 200HS tissue machines.

All nine machines are equipped with OptiFlo headbox and cast alloy Yankee cylinders. The Advantage tissue technology includes ViscoNip press, steam heated AirCap hood, WetDust dust system and a SoftReel P reel. Basic engineering and site services are also included in the delivery. Valmet’s automation package is also included, with Valmet DNA machine and process control system (DCS), as well as Valmet IQ quality control system (QCS) and Valmet IQ Dilution Profiler.

The tissue machine has a width of 5.6 m and a design speed of 2,000 m/min. Each machine has the capacity to produce 60,000 tons of toilet and facial tissue per year. Lee & Man uses virgin wood pulp and bleached bamboo fiber as raw material.

Greycon has won the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in recognition of the company’s sustained success in overseas expansion.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most prestigious business accolade. The Queen’s Award highlights outstanding achievement in the fields of innovation, international trade and sustainable development. The Award celebrates companies and individuals who are outstanding in their field. Greycon demonstrated successfully to the judging panel that its strategic diversification into new growth markets and geographies across the globe deserved recognition at the very highest level.

Constantine Goulimis, Greycon’s CEO and founder, commented : “I’m delighted to announce Greycon’s important achievement in one of the most high-profile and celebrated awards for commercial success. The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is a wonderful validation of our achievements. I am immensely proud of the whole Greycon team for winning the highest business accolade that a UK company can receive. It is the peak of achievement in terms of recognition for our proactive, dedicated approach to championing international business growth. Greycon’s strong profile outside the UK is one of our key differentiators and winning the award is further proof that the strategy to diversify Greycon is working.”

Colleague David Mushin said : “Targeting growth, Greycon has proved highly responsive at aligning business with our target industry’s priorities such as Sustainability, Customer Service, geographies and buoyant global sectors that offer the greatest opportunities, such as the Plastic Film & Flexible Packaging, Nonwoven, Metals, Converting, and Paper & Board industries. We have combined our reputation with organic growth and new strategic appointments in key markets internationally, while continuing to improve our position in the UK.”

Smurfit Kappa continues to invest in its Facture Paper Mill to meet the growing demand for kraftliner grades in Europe.

An upgrade of the mill, which is in South West France, was successfully completed in March following a three-week shutdown and included the implementation of a new pulp washing line, and a complete overhaul of the black liquor recovery boiler.

SKG next plans a series of improvements to the paper machine No. 5 commencing in 2019 which, on completion, will increase its production capacity of white top kraftliner from 174,000 tonnes to 220,000 tonnes per annum, and further enhance the quality of this premium product.

Smurfit Kappa’s paper-based packaging is the packaging of choice for many brands which are seeking a more sustainable alternative to plastic and it is used widely in both the eCommerce and retail sectors.

Premium white top kraft paper, which is made from virgin fibres, is also a very suitable material for the high-specification digital print used to make brands come alive on the shelf.

The Smurfit Kappa Facture Paper Mill has been producing kraft paper since 1928. Speaking about the upgrade project, Laurent Sellier, Chief Operating Officer of Smurfit Kappa Paper & Board Europe, said : “The Facture site is going through a major upgrade programme which will significantly increase both the output and quality of the kraftliner we produce.

“This mill has an ideal location for meeting the demands of customers in Southern Europe so we are committed to implementing ongoing innovations and improvements.”

The Facture Paper Mill is part of Smurfit Kappa’s global network of paper mills that are all connected through a single, optimised supply chain system.

The upgrade of the Facture Paper Mill will reinforce the industry-leading position Smurfit Kappa holds for the production of kraftliner containerboard in Europe.

Former Appleton Coated facility to begin doing business as Midwest Paper Group

The Combined Locks paper mill formerly home to Appleton Coated will begin doing business under the name “Midwest Paper Group”. The new entity was established by Industrial Assets and Maynards after their October 2017 purchase of substantially all the assets of Appleton Coated LLC. The company restarted the facility in December.

After the purchase, Industrial Assets took note of the highly experienced and dedicated workforce and focused on upgrading the mill’s production capabilities and fiber handling systems. “We have a made a significant investment in this mill and community. We are grateful for our customers, vendors and the team onsite which has allowed the company to continue its tradition of producing some of the highest quality paper in the industry.” said Steve Mattes, CEO of Industrial Assets Corp.

“We are excited by the investment our new ownership has made which enhances our production capabilities in order to grow and diversify our product offering. We remain committed to providing our legacy printing/writing and new containerboard customers with high quality products and unequalled service.” said Kyle Putzstuck, President of Midwest Paper Group.

“Restarting the facility on our legacy grades while also developing new products and engaging new customers has been excellent for all involved” said John Mazuroski, Head of Sales and Marketing. “Our dedicated employees and rich history of product development helped us meet every challenge. The strategy of merging our capabilities in printing/writing grades together with new containerboard development is proving successful, and we have significantly diversified our product portfolio” he added.

“The future now looks bright for the company,” stated Doug Osterberg, Managing Director of Midwest Paper Group. “We are very grateful to our customers, suppliers, and employees who have stood with us through this process.”

Sulzer - Record first quarter order intake – operations back to normal

Order intake in the first quarter of 2018 grew strongly across all divisions, reaching CHF 900 million compared to CHF 758 million in the same period a year ago. Organic order growth of 12.8% was mainly driven by the oil and gas market. Five days after the complete unblocking of its assets, Sulzer’s operations are back to normal and customers have remained loyal to Sulzer. The company estimates a one-off cost impact from sanctions of approximately CHF 10m, which will be treated as non-operational. The company expects no sanction impact beyond 2018. Sulzer confirms its 2018 guidance.

Södra reported a highly robust operating profit of SEK 938 million (490) for the first quarter of 2018, up more than 90 percent compared with the year-earlier period. Strong demand with a positive price trend underlie these figures, and the higher volumes generated by the expansion investments are reflected in the results.

“There are several reasons for this robust earnings trend. The favourable global economy has contributed to high demand and a positive price trend for Södra’s products in both market pulp and the sawn timber area. We are also seeing the positive effects of our comprehensive expansion investments in the pulp mills, and the efficiencies and restructuring we have achieved in sawn timber production,” said Lars Idermark, President and CEO.

“Our efforts with new innovations and sustainability have continued unabated. Södra’s investments to increase liquid biofuel production are on track, as well as investments in sawn timber processing. These strategic investments in the future are helping to create new business opportunities. They also represent steps towards a fossil-free society, and a sustainable bioeconomy in which forests can play a key role,” said Lars Idermark.

In the Södra Skog business area, operating profit totalled SEK 19 million (16) for the period. The results were charged with higher transport costs due to the intermittently challenging wood supply situation during the first quarter.

In the Södra Wood business area, operating profit totalled SEK 91 million (3) for the period, mainly reflecting the positive price level and strong demand for sawn timber. The ongoing operational changes in Södra Interiör are proceeding as planned.

In the Södra Cell business area, operating profit totalled SEK 926 million (496) for the period. The earnings trend was mainly attributable to the strong upward price trend and higher volumes.

January-March 2018 in brief :

2018

2017

Jan-Mar

Jan-Mar

Net sales, SEK million

5,717

5,098

Operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and impairment, SEK million

IBC Paper Training has launched its new website ibcpapertraining.com. with a new design and logo. The French company managed by Isabelle Baret delivers technical training in the Pulp and Paper sector at "Expertise" and "Operator" levels. IBC is specialized in the development of generic and tailor-made e-learning tools, and among all the other pulp & paper sectors, in the "Tissue" sector.This new website contains the description of active e-learning modules (generic e-modules and tailor-made solutions). In addition, access Live or Videos in streaming are also available (1 per month). The different topics covered are the industry 4.0, energy consumption, water management, vibration maintenance, chemicals management, process optimization, equipment, raw materials ... These themes are specialized on Paper, Board and Tissue. An expert will make a 1 to 2 hours presentation once a month on a defined subject.

RACCOON by OMET: the groundbreaking automatic plate cleaning system for tissue converting machines

The growing number of installations, 10 in the last six months, proves the success of the Raccoon plate cleaning system patented by OMET, which works by cleaning the flexo plate directly inside the machine.

In the last 2 years after the official launch, the Raccoon by OMET has collected unanimous positive opinion : extreme satisfaction of all the customers who have installed this system. The plate cleaning process in tissue converting machines is no more the same : Raccoon by OMET assures a constant and high print quality without machine downtime.

Roberto Perego, Technical Manager for OMET Tissue division explains : “Two main reasons are behind the success of this system : no need to stop the machine and the constant high quality of the image. With the tissue paper, usually very dusty, it is common for the printing plate to be contaminated by dust residuals with bad consequences on the print quality. Thanks to the automatic cleaning system, the flexo plate is kept perfectly clean, guaranteeing the same output quality for the entire job".

Raccoon by OMET was presented during iT’s Tissue 2015 and thank to its ease of use and excellent performance, it has been able to break through the market. The Multifunctional head releases a jet of air and water and simultaneously sucks in all the impurities laying on the sleeve, for an excellent printing result.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. today announced that a tentative four-year agreement has been reached with Unifor, subject to ratification by their members. Unifor represents the majority of hourly employees working across the company’s Canadian pulp and paper operations.

The master agreement covers eight of Resolute’s Canadian pulp and paper mills. The agreement applies to the Amos, Baie-Comeau, Dolbeau, Gatineau, Kénogami and Saint-Félicien facilities in Quebec, as well as the Thunder Bay mill and currently indefinitely idled Thorold operation in Ontario.

"We are pleased that we have reached a tentative agreement with Unifor national and local leadership that recognizes the contribution of employees to the success of the business and provides stability for our customers, shareholders, communities and other company partners," said Yves Laflamme, president and chief executive officer. "Once ratified, this agreement will support long-term investments in our Canadian operations."

The collective agreement covers approximately 1,100 employees represented by Unifor. The agreement builds on the cooperative relationship that has been established between Resolute and Unifor.

Details will not be discussed publicly until the union leadership has had an opportunity to present the agreement to its members.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical results, performance, financial condition, or other historical information of Resolute Forest Products Inc. are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include, for example, statements regarding the expected future investments in Canadian operations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "will," "expect" and other terms with similar meaning indicating possible future events or potential impact on our business or our shareholders.

The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on management’s current assumptions, beliefs, and expectations, all of which involve a number of business risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in this press release. Some of the potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual future performance or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this press release include those potential risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements set out or referred to above and in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For the fourteenth consecutive year, BillerudKorsnäs organizes the international packaging design competition Packaging Impact Design Award (PIDA). Together with approximately 200 students from leading design universities in Sweden, Germany, France and England, the packaging phenomenon unboxing will be challenged.

Unboxing, the moment when a packaging is opened for the first time, is not only the consumer’s first encounter with a product, but also increasingly critical for a brand’s ability to make a first personal, and through social media, global impression. The possibility of differentiation through unboxing is the theme of the 2018 edition of BillerudKorsnäs design contest PIDA.

However, the brief to the contestants is more far-reaching than just embracing the first impression. It is about creating a sustainable, innovative and functional packaging concept with a unique unpacking experience that differs from the conventional solutions we see in stores and e-commerce today.

"During the fourteen years we have worked with PIDA, the competition has succeeded in becoming an international institution and one of the most important meeting places for new generation packaging designers and the established industry with brand owners, converters and design agencies. PIDA is a way for us to push forward the development of sustainable packaging design and this year we want to challenge conventional packaging solutions by bringing unboxing to a new level where it can reach its full potential in terms of creativity, sustainability and innovation,"says Lena Dahlberg Manager Carton Solution at BillerudKorsnäs.

Three competitions and new international "public award"The competition brief was sent to the participants during January and the concept presentation/announcement of winners will occur at three separate events ; in Stockholm on May 22 for Swedish and English students, in Paris on June 21 for French students and in Ludwigsburg on November 8 for German students. A novelty this year is the addition of an international award, the Peoples Choice Grand Final Award, where the public is invited to designate a total winner via Facebook. The nomination of the respective winners from England, France, Sweden and Germany starts after all regional competitions have been settled, and the entry that receives the most likes and shares is then named as the total winner of Peoples Choice Grand Final Award.

Lecta Presents a New Collection of Printed Samples from the Creaset Range

A collection of one-side coated papers for labels and packaging.

A new collection of printed samples showcasing the extensive portfolio for label and packaging applications from Creas​et, Lecta’s range of one-side coated.

The collection, presented under the slogan "Creaset ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES", comes in two unique A5 envelopes printed on Creat​orSilk 300 g/m2 coated semi-matte paper. Each envelope contains printed samples of all the papers in the collection together with images of the final applications illustrating the numerous label and packaging possibilities that the Creaset range o​ffers.

The entire Creaset range is manufactured with ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) woodfree pulp and is produced in accordance with ISO 14001 and EMAS environmental management standards, ISO 50001 energy management standard, ISO 9001 quality management standard and OHAS 18001 occupational safety and health management standard. In addition, it is all available with PEFCTM and FSC® Chain-of-Custody forest certifications upon request.

Toscotec’s steel Yankee dryer TT SYD-18FT was successfully fired up at Fujian Jinmin Reconstituted Tobacco Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China National Tobacco Corporation, at its Luoyuan mill, Fujian, China. The TT SYD reached top performance immediately after start-up at the end of March.

The advantages of TT SYD can benefit all grades and types of paper, not least reconstituted tobacco paper. After Toscotec’s successful reconstituted tobacco application in the U.S., the Chinese reconstituted tobacco paper producer Fujian Jinmin is now operating a big diameter TT SYD, which guarantees top drying efficiency at the lowest possible consumption cost.

From the delivery of the first TT SYD in 2000 throughout 18 years of successful and safe applications and two generations of design, this achievement further reinforces Toscotec’s position as the number one supplier of steel Yankee dryers worldwide. The number of TT SYD sold in five continents around the globe has recently reached more than 200 units, way ahead of the competition. Based on its ever-growing experience, Toscotec has constantly been upgrading its design and it is currently in the process of honing the third generation of TT SYD.

Speciality fibres manufacturer Kelheim Fibres produced their 4,000,000th ton of viscose fibres !The “jubilee tonne“ was produced on line 2 and is a Galaxy® fibre – an appropriate coincidence according to production manager Konrad Brunner : “This speciality fibre is made for the tampon industry, one of the most important pillars of our business. This fibre combines our strengths : unique and patented fibre properties meet production conditions that fulfil the strict hygiene requirements of this sensitive final product. It’s not by chance that we have established a world-leading position in this area.”Considering that about 5.000 shirts or even 500.000 tampons can be produced from one tonne of viscose fibres alone, we can get an idea of how many people all over the world have come into contact with viscose fibres from Kelheim.CEO Craig Barker is proud of the “anniversary”, too : “Of course, there are bigger viscose fibre plants than ours. Plants that can produce the same amount of fibres in less time. But there is no one else who is able to put more than 80 years of experience in every single one of their fibres. At Kelheim, there are families working in the third or even fourth generation for our company. Their loyalty as well as their engagement and know-how are the cornerstone of our success : Our employees, together with our consistent innovation strategy and our small and flexible production lines, make us the world’s leading manufacturer of viscose speciality fibres. To further reinforce that position is our goal for the next million tons of viscose fibres and beyond !”

UPM sells its Myllykoski mill site and premises, located in Kouvola, Finland, to Redeve Oy. The buyer is specialised in real estate development. The transaction was completed today and the ownership of the real estate was transferred to the buyer with an immediate effect.

UPM closed its Myllykoski paper mill in 2011. Since then, UPM has been searching for a solution to enable further usage of the site.

"We have been searching for a credible buyer for quite some time and have investigated several options. We are very pleased with the end-result. Redeve is well-known for their capabilities and experience in real estate development. We believe they will bring business and prosperity to the site," says Samuli Eerolainen, Director, Real Estate at UPM.

"We are honoured to be chosen as the developer of Myllykoski site, and we would like to thank UPM for the trust shown in us. The industrial site of Myllykoski is a highly interesting location for our company. Its development begins immediately," says M.Sc. (Tech) Jari Lahtinen from Redeve Oy.

The contract includes the mill site with its premises, as well as 100 hectares of land. As announced earlier, the biomass boiler, turbine and generator from Myllykoski site have been acquired by Blue Energy Europe in Germany.

The Gluten Free Bar (GFB) Power Breakfast recently won the NEXTY Award for Best New Packaging Innovation during Natural Products Expo West. IntegraFlex™, the collapsible cup packaging technology, is a solution developed by Graphic Packaging International (GPI). The award recognizes the most innovative products in the natural products industry.

"The GFB is all about making good-for-you, gluten-free food, in good-for-you ways," said Elliott Rader, Owner/Partner at The GFB. "This packaging allows us to deliver our food in an innovative manner and, considering the package is partially recyclable, it delivers on the "good-for-you ways" part of our brand promise. We try to bring innovative products to the market that communicate quality, convenience and taste. GPI’s IntegraFlex packaging speaks to quality and most certainly convenience, and once a consumer tries the product, they’ll realize that we are delivering on great taste as well."

"IntegraFlex is comprised of two distinctly different paper-based substrates to create a collapsible cup package : a paper liner and paperboard cup," said Kelly Fitzwater, new product development manager at GPI. "The ability to mix and match substrates allowed us to create a package that reinforces the healthy natural look that Gluten Free Bar was seeking. The slim space-saving design makes it a snap to take a convenient snack or meal on the go."

"Oatmeal is an ideal product for IntegraFlex," said Chuck Tarlton, director of business development at GPI. "This is an example of the right product combined with the right packaging that simultaneously drives value for the brand and the consumer."

The technology allows for the product to ship flat, making distribution a little simpler. It also demonstrates several consumer benefits. To use, the consumer tears open the top of the liner, erects the collapsible cup by pressing the two sides together, adds liquid to cook, then enjoys right out of the package. The compact solution is portable and can be easily tossed in a bag to go camping or to work, and it can be easily dispensed from a vending machine.

Graphic Packaging’s IntegraFlex collapsible cup also won the Paperboard Packaging Council’s 2017 Innovation of the Year award.

Grupo Gondi has entered into a contract with Voith to supply a new paper machine with an annual production capacity of 400,000 metric tons. The new paper machine will be located in a facility in Monterrey in Northern Mexico. Voith will supply the complete BlueLine stock preparation and XcelLine paper machine from wet end process to winder, which should minimize the number of interfaces for the customer and maximize the operating efficiency of the project.From early 2020, the new state-of-the-art PM 7 will operate at the new Papel y Empaques Monterrey (PEM) plant. The machine will have a working width of 6,660 mm at the reel and a design speed of 1,200 m/min to produce testliner and corrugated medium with basis weights in the range of 90 to 250 g/m2.

"With the new paper machine, Grupo Gondi will strengthen its position in the Mexican market for high-performance light weight recycled containerboard. It will also enhance our integration levels since our converting capacity has risen in recent years as we have expanded converting plants and grown through acquisitions. Voith will supply an extended scope of services, including the stock preparation, the paper machine, supporting sub systems and automation. Voith’s ability to deliver an advanced, full-line, state-of-the-art system was very important to us and we continue to work closely with our partners at WestRock in connection with project planning and execution," states Eduardo Posada, CEO at Grupo Gondi.

The XcelLine paper machine offers a range of special technical features that both improve the quality of the finished paper and reduce energy consumption. The scope of supply also includes a Tandem NipcoFlex Press, a TopFormer F, and an EcoCal calender. Moreover, the PM 7 will be equipped with a VariFlex NG winder with an operational speed of 2,500 m/min, with MCS, DCS and QCS completing Voith’s scope of delivery. Voith will supply the project with an extended scope, including detailed engineering for process, automation and electrical engineering.

In addition to the paper machine and the BlueLine stock preparation system, MERI, a Voith company, will supply the major sub-systems – material handling, internal water treatment, sludge handling, and reject handling. These systems are designed to lower operating costs while maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

Smithers Pira joins the new Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network

Smithers Pira is pleased to announce its participation in the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS).

Designed for companies looking to distribute their products via Amazon, the APASS enables businesses to identify laboratories who are able to test and certify products as Prep-Free Packaging (PFP), Ships-In-Own-Container (SIOC) or Frustration Free Packaging (FFP) without requiring additional testing by Amazon.

On April 11, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a license authorizing the completion of the transfer of the shares. This share transfer has been completed and Renova is now a minority shareholder, holding 48.83% of the shares in Sulzer. Sulzer now holds 15.24% of its own shares.

Sulzer confirms that it is no longer a blocked party or subject to sanctions under U.S. law. The company can now resume normal operations globally. To the extent that its assets have been blocked, Sulzer is taking the necessary steps to achieve timely reversal.

The business activities of Sulzer have been considerably disrupted, but the company does not believe that its long-term performance will be affected.

Sulzer would like to thank its customers, employees, financial partners and other stakeholders for their support.

The company will give more details as it announces its first quarter results on April 19, 2018.

Metso to publish its Interim Review for January-March 2018 on Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Metso’s January-March 2018 Interim Review will be published on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at about 9:00 a.m. EEST and can be found at www.metso.com/latestreports.

Metso’s Interim President and CEO Eeva Sipilä will present the financial results in a webcast and a conference call for analysts and investors, held in English, on the same day at 13:00 EEST. Webcast is viewable at www.metso.com/latestreports. A recording and a transcript will be available at the same webpage after the event has finished.